Chapter 8 - “They Know Now”
The federal agents secured the hallway within seconds.
The lead agent was Marcus Hale, director of Black Echo field operations.
He had worked with Rachel for seven years.
Marcus took the encrypted drive and loaded its contents onto a secure tablet.
The files showed footage from the estate basement.
Rachel’s tactical vest camera had recorded everything.
Evan threatening Jessica.
Congressman Voss discussing Richard’s company.
The guards attacking Rachel.
The plan to obtain Black Echo access codes.
The agents watched without speaking.
Marcus closed the tablet.
“They know now.”
Jessica looked at Evan.
His face had lost all color.
He moved toward the exit.
Two agents blocked him.
“This is insane,” Evan said. “She works for a security company.”
Marcus faced him.
“Special Agent Rachel Cole has spent five years investigating Meridian’s illegal transfer of classified weapons systems.”
Richard gripped the back of a chair.
“Special agent?”
Linda stared at Rachel as if seeing a stranger.
Jessica whispered:
“You said you inspected buildings.”
Rachel struggled to remain conscious.
“I said I couldn’t tell you.”
Marcus ordered Evan detained.
The local police hesitated.
Evan’s family had donated millions to their department.
Marcus displayed a federal warrant.
The senior officer finally stepped aside.
Evan turned toward Jessica.
“Tell them she attacked me.”
Jessica looked at Rachel.
Then at the tablet.
Her husband had lied.
Her sister had not.
But fear still controlled her.
“If I say anything, my father goes to prison.”
Rachel’s voice was weak.
“He already built the evidence to make that happen.”
Richard looked at Evan.
“What did you do?”
Evan smiled coldly.
“I gave you success.”
Marcus ordered agents to secure Richard’s company records before Meridian could destroy them.
Then Rachel’s monitor alarm changed.
A doctor shouted for a trauma room.
As nurses rushed her away, Jessica grabbed Rachel’s hand.
May you like
For the first time that night, she said the words Rachel needed.
“I believe you.”
